Brits protester killings condemned

Johannesburg - The killing of two protesters, allegedly by police, in Brits, North West, was condemned by the province's human settlements and public safety portfolio committee on Tuesday.

“We condemn the killing of protesters in the strongest possible terms. However, we are also mindful of the fact that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) is investigating the matter,” spokeswoman Namhla Luhabe said in a statement.

“We join the Brits community in mourning this tragic loss of two lives. We also send our best wishes to the two people who were injured and hope that they recover as quickly as possible.”

Residents of Mothutlung, in Brits, started protesting on Sunday afternoon about a water shortage.

The police were called to monitor them after they barricaded a road with burning tyres.

There was an altercation between protesters and the police, during which two protesters were shot dead on Monday.

Committee chairman Mahlakeng Mahlakeng said it shared the pain, grief and despair of the families of those killed.

“You have lost your loved ones, your husbands, sons and brothers, and maybe the only breadwinner,” he said.

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